THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARMS TRAFFICKING AND ORGANIZED CRIME ACTIVITY IN GUATEMALA

Illegal arms trafficking in Guatemala is a problem that intensifies violence and insecurity in the country and seriously affects political stability and socioeconomic development. Corruption and institutional weakness facilitate this trafficking, allowing weapons to reach criminal groups, such as gangs and cartels, which use them to consolidate their power and expand their illicit activities. The entry of these weapons, primarily from the United States and Latin America through routes that cross the border with Mexico, intensifies armed conflicts and challenges state governance. In addition, endemic corruption obstructs the effective enforcement of existing laws, perpetuating a cycle of violence that erodes public trust in institutions. Addressing this phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach that strengthens state capacities and promotes international cooperation to curb the flow of weapons and restore the rule of law in Guatemala.